Milwaukee — About 30 minutes after the start cleveland cavaliers‘113-98 Lost milwaukee bucks Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff had yet to arrive for the postgame press conference on Wednesday night. The unusual late show was the result of a lengthy post-match discussion with the players after five consecutive losses.
“At the moment, it’s more about getting things resolved than getting the message across,” Bickerstaff said. “We’re not playing winning basketball right now. It’s a simple thing. We have a formula that enables and enables us to succeed. It’s what we have to do, and now we’re doing it, it’s simple. It’s my responsibility to find out.
After acquiring Donovan Mitchell from utah jazz In this summer’s blockbuster deal, the new Cavaliers got off to a good start with an eight-game winning streak from October 22nd to November 6th. defeat.
“Honestly, I think we kind of have a fat cat mentality,” said Bickerstaff. “We went out and won eight games in a row. Everyone gave us love and admiration. It started with the first to see it was the defensive side of the floor we were away from who we were. But if we want to win in this league to the level we want, we can’t do it.
During a five-game losing streak, the Cavaliers are allowing 122 points per 100 possessions, the worst ERA in the league during that period. Jarrett Allen’s absence from a few games with an ankle injury and his opponent’s strong 3-point shooting (37.6%) have helped him struggle on this side of the ball. But lack of effort is the biggest concern.
“Defense comes down to the effort you are willing to put in,” said Bickerstaff. “2nd effort, 3rd effort, 4th effort. Right now, we don’t have enough players doing their 2nd, 3rd, 4th effort. Too often we find ourselves For what? I’m not sure. I’m giving up 21 second chance points tonight.
Donovan Mitchell provided a quick explanation.
“It’s our defense,” he said. “Scoring is going to be a no-brainer. It really doesn’t matter. It’s really our defense. Yeah, we missed the JA, but that’s one of the things that championship teams do that we’re aiming for. is what everyone keeps doing when the players are out… step up.”
Despite the worst of the last 10 days, the Cavaliers remain fourth in the Eastern Conference with a four-game homestand ahead of them. Charlotte HornetsThey have had plenty of time to turn things around and they have shown they can play at a high level.
“Do you believe there’s a good team in that locker room? Exactly,” Bickerstaff said. “Do we believe there’s individual talent out there, elite individual talent? But it takes more time than that to build a team.It takes time and experience.My belief in this group is unwavering.”
